The Final of the 2021 Nations League will be contested between two of the most successful European sides in international football. Spain are the slight underdogs heading into Sunday's big match but France have been anything but reliable in recent tournaments and this game feels like it could go either way.
Spain vs France: Football Whispers Predictions
Here are our predictions for Spain vs France
- Football Whispers Prediction one: Total Goals – Under 2.5 Goals @ 8/13
- Football Whispers Prediction two: Double Chance – Spain or Draw @ 1/2
- Football Whispers Prediction three: Anytime Goalscorer – Torres to Score @ 12/5
*Odds from Ladbrokes are subject to change
Contents
Under 2.5 Goals
Despite how both Semi-Finals went, we're predicting under 2.5 goals in Sunday's Nations League Final. Under 2.5 goals have been produced in each of the last seven meetings between these two countries in all competitions and we're predicting another tight and tense 90-minutes this weekend. Three of Spain's and three of France's last six outings have witnessed fewer than three goals scored, so you can see why we're backing under 2.5 goals on Sunday.
Spain Double Chance
The recent history between these two countries and their performances leading into the Nations League Final suggest that backing Spain with a double chance bet is the way to go this weekend. Spain have won five, drawn one and lost one of their last seven international meetings with France, winning the pair's last encounter 2-0 back in 2017. Spain made it through to the Semi-Finals of Euro 2020 before being knocked out by the eventual winners Italy, while France ended up being knocked out by Switzerland.
Torres to Score
Ferran Torres is the top scorer in this season's Nations League, with 6-goals, having netted twice against Italy in the Semi-Final. We're backing the Man City forward to get on the scoresheet once again this weekend and perhaps even netted the winning goal for Luis Enrique's men.
Everything you need to know ahead of Spain vs France
The Nations League Final is too close to call
Spain looked like the better team against Italy even before Bonucci was shown his second yellow card of the first half, but that did make the game a little easier for the underdogs. Torres had put Spain in front in the 17th-minute with a neat first-time finish and the very same player made it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time to all but end any hopes of a comeback for the 10-men of Italy. A win on Sunday would mean a lot for Luis Enrique who has faced plenty of criticism during his time in charge of the Spanish national team and could prove to be the kickstart this young side need to go on and challenge for major honours.
France looked like they were going out at the Semi-Final stage as they found themselves 2-0 down at half-time against Belgium. However, a much-improved performance in the second forty-five brought about goals from Benzema, Mbappe and Theo Hernandez which turned the game on its head. That result will surely give France the confidence boost they so dearly needed after a poor performance at Euro 2020 but Spain will prove a tough nut to crack this weekend.
Expected Lineups
Spain: Simon, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Laporte, Torres, Busquets, Sarabia, Koke, Gavi, Oyarzabal, Torres.
France: Lloris, Varane, L. Hernandez, Pavard, T. Hernandez, Kounde, Pogba, Rabiot, Benzema, Griezmann, Mbappe.
Spain vs France – FAQ
- Who are the favourites to win? – France are the slight favourites but the bookmakers are expecting a close game.
- What was the score when these two teams last met? – France 0-2 Spain, 28/3/17.
- What time is kick-off? – 19:45 GMT, 20:45 CET.
